Injuries mount for Hurricanes

TIM REYNOLDSThe Associated Press

Published Wednesday, October 08, 2008

CORAL GABLES -- Miami right tackle Reggie Youngblood will miss his second straight game Saturday with an injured left lower leg, another major addition to the Hurricanes' rapidly growing injury report.

Youngblood, a three-year starter, did not play last weekend in Miami's 41-39 loss to Florida State. He got hurt in the previous week's game against North Carolina, and could wind up as the fourth veteran player the Hurricanes have lost to season-ending injury in the last three weeks.

"He may be," Miami coach Randy Shannon said. "I'll know further on that later on this week, but he's definitely not playing Saturday at all."

Losers of two straight, Miami (2-3) plays its final non-conference game of the regular season Saturday at home against Central Florida (2-3).

The Hurricanes lost junior linebacker Colin McCarthy last week in practice when he aggravated a recurring shoulder injury. Defensive end Eric Moncur may miss the rest of the season because of leg and personal issues, and Shannon said Tuesday that the senior will miss at least the Hurricanes' next three games.

Moncur left the Florida State game because of the leg injury, and has also been grieving the death of his mother. Plus, Miami's secondary has been depleted by the loss of safety Randy Phillips, who underwent surgery last month for an undisclosed leg injury. Phillips was expected to miss six weeks or more, meaning his status for the remainder of the year is in some doubt. Youngblood started two games this year at tackle.

"It hurts a lot to have any of those seniors leave a young team, obviously," Miami quarterback Robert Marve said. "I wish nothing but the best for him, but we'll have to move on."

Combined, Youngblood, McCarthy, Moncur and Phillips have made 61 starts in their careers for the Hurricanes, who are also awaiting the return of starting tailback Javarris James from a sprained ankle.

James could play this week, depending on how he fares in practice, Shannon said.